wschultz, this view suggests absolute power on the part of a monarch, with the subsequent suppression of any ideas or opinions expressed to the contrary of those held by that monarch. Total acceptance by court members. This just can't be. There may be a degree to which these ideas aren't expressed out loud in the presence of that monarch or their close allies, but contrary opinions certainly existed, even regarding such simple issues as musical talent.

Rather than trying to verify the accuracy of praise of any monarch, compare it with what you can of their detractors. Scan the records of the period and weigh the information and decide from there. To say you can't trust reports of Henry's talent is akin to saying no Royal can have talent because they're Royal. You are looking at a group of people raised in incredible privilege and exposed to the best scholarship and culture the land had to offer. Some of it may have rubbed off! I wouldn't go so far as to say that anyone on the throne automatically took the best advantage of the opportunities put before them (just look at today!). But some of them surely did!

I will conclude my display of logic with the following evidence for your position, just to be fair (and because I love the song!):


THE VICAR OF BRAY

In good King Charles' golden days, when loyalty no harm meant,
A zealous high churchman was I, and so I gained preferment.
To teach my flock, I never missed
Kings are by God appointed
And damned be he who dare resist or touch the Lord's annointed.

cho: And this be law, I shall maintain
Until my dying day, sir
That whatsoever king may reign,
Still I'll be the Vicar of Bray, sir.

When royal James usurped the throne, and popery came in fashion,
The penal laws I hooted down, and read the Declaration.
The Church of Rome, I found, did fit
Full well my constitution
And I had been a Jesuit, but for the Revolution.

cho:

When William was our King declared, to ease the nation's grievance,
With this new wind about I steered, and swore to him allegiance.
Old principles I did revoke
Set conscience at a distance,
Passive obedience was a joke, a jest was non-resistance.

cho:

When Royal Anne became our queen, the Church of England's glory,
Another face of things was seen, and I became a Tory.
Occasional conformists base
I blamed their moderation;
And thought the Church in danger was from such prevarication.

cho:

When George in pudding time came o'er, and moderate men looked big, sir
My principles I changed once more, and I became a Whig, sir.
And thus preferment I procured
From our new Faith's Defender,
And almost every day abjured the Pope and the Pretender.

cho:

The illustrious house of Hanover and Protestant succession
To these I do allegiance swear --- while they can hold possession.
For in my faith and loyalty
I never more will falter,
And George my lawful king shall be --- until the times do alter.

cho:


SRS